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A 17 year old boy prescribed AccutaneŽ for cystic acne committed suicide that left his parents questioning the involvement of side effects of the acne drug. His parents described him as a driven and caring child, who had a successful career in front of him and much support, and suggestions that his suicide was completely unplanned. His private physician also denied being informed of any suicidal thoughts or plans by the boy. Some of the listed psychological side effects of AccutaneŽ include psychosis, violent change in behaviour, suicide and depression. The drug company that markets the medication argues that children on the acne treatment are generally depressed and suicidal before therapy. Other serious side effects are liver damage and birth defects, so liver function tests are conducted frequently during treatment and pregnancy is prohibited. Acne is a condition influenced by hormones that involves infection and inflammation of oil glands in hair follicles in the skin of the face, neck and upper back, which can result in scarring when severe.
Source: summary of medical news story as reported by Linton Daily Citizen
About: Acne medication may have contributed to suicide
Date: 27 September 2005
Source: Linton Daily Citizen
Author: Andrea McCann
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